Growing your produce yourself is a rewarding, sustainable practice. You can bring fresh fruits and vegetables to your kitchen table. No matter if you have a big garden or a tiny balcony, nursery containers allow you to grow different fruits, vegetables, and herbal plants in a controlled atmosphere. This article gives a detailed guide to selecting and using nursery containers in order to ensure a successful and abundant harvest.
Why Use Nursery Containers To Grow Edible Plants?
Nursery containers are a great way to grow edible plants.
- Space Saving: Containers enable you to grow your plants in confined spaces like balconies, patios and small gardens.
- Controlled Environmental: Containers are a great way to control soil and water quality as well as nutrients. This allows you to provide optimal conditions for your plants.
- Mobility: Containers that can be moved so as to protect plants and take advantage of the sun or rearrange your garden design.
How To Choose The Right Nursery Containers?
You must choose the best nursery container for your edible plant. Consider the following when choosing containers.
- Dimensions And Depth
Different plants have different requirements for root depth and space. Ensure that the container size fits the plant growth.
- Leafy Greens: Lettuce (or spinach), arugula, and arugula require containers that are between 6 and 12 inches deep.
- Root vegetables: Carrots, radishes, and beets will require containers with a depth of at least 18 inches.
- Fruiting Plants: Tobacco, peppers and eggplants all need containers with a depth of 18-24 inches.
- Trees: Fruit trees, such as citrus and figs, are best grown in containers at least 24-inches deep.
- Material
Material can influence the durability, weight and thermal properties of a container.
- Plastic: lightweight and affordable, the containers in this material are able to hold moisture but can also heat up when placed under direct sunlight.
- Terra Cotta: Terra Cotta Containers are attractive and porous. They allow air to circulate but may dry quicker.
- Material: Containers made of fabric, such as grow bags, are breathable. They promote healthy growth and root development but require more frequent hydration.
- Wood: The wooden containers have a natural look and are insulating. They may need to be treated in order to prevent decay.
- Drainage
For a healthy plant, it is vital to maintain proper drainage. You should ensure that your containers contain enough drainage openings. In this case, you may need to drill additional drainage holes.
Prepare Nursery Containers
You can prepare the containers by following these simple steps:
- Clean The Containers
Cleaning both new containers and reusing them is best done with a mixture of one part chlorine bleach to nine portions of water. This will remove all pathogens.
- Add Drainage
Add a layer at the bottom to improve drainage.
- Fill With Quality Planting Mix
Use a well-draining, high-quality potting mix for edibles. Avoid using gardening soil because it can compact the soil and hinder root growth.
Planting Care
- Watering
Container plants should be watered frequently. The entire root zone should be moistened by watering until it drains. Monitor moisture levels frequently and adjust according to the weather.
- Feeding
Regular feeding benefits edible plants. Use organic compost tea or balanced fertilizers to provide vital nutrients. Use the recommended feeding schedule for every plant type.
- Sunlight
Most edible plants will need at minimum 6-8 hours per day of direct sunlight. Place your container in a bright spot and rotate it periodically to ensure an even growth.
Seasonal Considerations
Denver weather is subject to extremes, making it important to adjust container gardening practices.
- Spring: Concentrate your efforts on warm-season plants like peppers, tomatoes and herbs. Containers need to be well-hydrated and protected from extreme temperatures.
- Fall: Switch to cool-season crops, like lettuce, spinach or radishes. Consider using season-extenders like row covers to avoid early frosts.
- For winter: Bring containers indoors if possible or move them to a shelter. Hardy herbs and greens can withstand cooler temperatures.
Conclusion
The use of nursery containers to grow your food at home is a rewarding and accessible way to enjoy the freshest, most delicious produce. If you choose the right containers, prepare them properly and provide consistent care, it is possible to grow a thriving garden in a small space. If you are growing herbs on your sunny windowsill or cultivating an entire vegetable garden on a patio, this guide will show you how to achieve a successful harvest. Take advantage of the benefits of container gardening.
